Have You Checked Your Home’s Value Lately?

By Lisa DiBiase

I talk to homeowners all the time who have no idea how much equity they’re sitting on. They bought their house years ago, they’ve been living their lives, and the idea of “checking in” on what their home is worth today just hasn’t made it to the top of the to-do list. That’s completely understandable but when we actually sit down and look at the numbers together, the reaction is almost always the same: genuine surprise.

February 2026 Housing Report

The Maine Association of REALTORSⓇ released its February 2026 housing report last month, and the numbers are worth knowing if you own property in Southern Maine.

Statewide, the median sales price for a single-family home in February was $395,000, up 3.47 percent from the same period last year. That’s real appreciation, even in February, which is historically the quietest month of the year for sales.

Zoom in on our corner of the state, and it gets more interesting. In Cumberland County, the median sales price for the rolling quarter, December through February, was $560,000. York County came in at $520,000 for the same period, up 5 percent year over year. Those prices reflect something important: homes here have held their value and then some, even as the frenzy of the past few years has settled down.

The Equity Gap

Equity is just the gap between what your home is worth today and what you still owe on it. That’s it. If your home is worth $480,000 and your remaining mortgage balance is $210,000, you have $270,000 in equity. It’s yours, just not liquid until you do something with it.

Here’s what makes the Southern Maine situation particularly interesting for long-term homeowners: values in this region climbed dramatically over a relatively short period of time. Someone who bought in Windham, Standish, or Raymond in 2017 or 2018 for $280,000 may be looking at a home worth $420,000 or more today. Add in years of mortgage payments chipping away at the principal, and the equity position can be substantially more than what people expect when they first do the math.

Using Your Equity

Not every use of home equity makes equal sense, and it's worth clearly understanding the options before making any decisions.

The first is a home equity loan or line of credit. These two options allow you to borrow against your equity while staying in your home, which is useful for renovations, consolidating higher-interest debt, or funding a major life expense. Your home serves as collateral, so this deserves careful thought and a conversation with both a lender and a financial advisor.

The second is using equity as a bridge to your next home. This is where I spend a lot of time with clients. Many people assume they can't afford to move in this market. But when they actually see what they're holding in equity, the math often looks different. That equity becomes a substantial down payment on a larger home, a Lakes Region property, something closer to family, or a downsize that frees up cash for retirement or other goals.

The third is simply knowing what you have. Even if you have no plans to move or borrow, understanding your equity position is part of being a financially informed homeowner. It shapes your insurance decisions, your estate planning, and your options if life circumstances change in ways that you can't predict today.

The Surprising Part

Southern Maine homeowners have quietly built real wealth over the past several years, often without stopping to think about it. Values in this region climbed significantly in a short period, and most people were simply busy living their lives while it happened. Raising kids, renovating the bathroom, and watching their neighborhood grow around them.

What I find is that when we sit down together and look at what comparable homes on their road are selling for right now, people walk away with a much stronger sense of what they've accomplished. Years of mortgage payments and a market that rewards long-term ownership have put many Maine homeowners in a powerful financial position.

If you've been wondering what your home is worth in today's market, that question deserves a real answer, and you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

This article was brought to you by Lisa DiBiase, Broker/Co-Owner of Landing Real Estate. Lisa and her team proudly represent buyers and sellers across the Greater Portland, Lakes Region, and beyond. For all your real estate needs, contact Lisa at [email protected] or call (207) 775-SOLD. <

Spring Market 2026: How buyers and sellers can navigate with confidence

By The Libby Starnes Team, Signature Homes Real Estate Group

Spring has always been one of the busiest seasons in real estate, and 2026 is shaping up to be no exception. As the snow melts and “For Sale” signs begin popping up across the Lakes Region and surrounding communities, both buyers and sellers are preparing for a market that continues to evolve. Whether you’re considering listing your home or hoping to find the perfect place to settle, understanding how to navigate the spring market can make all the difference.

A Market Driven by Preparation

One of the defining trends we’re seeing this spring is the importance of preparation. Homes that are thoughtfully prepared and strategically priced are still attracting strong interest. While buyers remain active, they are also more selective than they were during the frenzied markets of a few years ago.

For sellers, this means presentation matters. Clean, decluttered homes with fresh curb appeal and minor repairs addressed tend to stand out quickly. Professional photography, strong marketing, and pricing aligned with current market data are also key factors that help homes generate early attention.

Spring buyers often move quickly when they see the right home, but they’re also doing their homework. The result is a market where well-prepared listings tend to perform best.

Buyers: Strategy Over Speed

For buyers, the spring market can feel competitive, but a thoughtful approach helps create opportunities. One of the best steps buyers can take is getting pre-approved before beginning their home search. Knowing your financing ahead of time allows you to move confidently when the right property appears.

Another helpful strategy is maintaining flexibility. The ideal home may require looking at different neighborhoods, adjusting wish lists slightly, or acting quickly when a home checks most of the boxes.

Working closely with a local real estate professional can also provide an advantage. Experienced agents often know about listings before they hit the market and can help buyers craft strong offers that stand out.

Sellers: Timing Still Matters

Many homeowners assume listing later in the season is best, but early spring can actually be a powerful time to enter the market. Buyers who start their search early are often highly motivated and ready to make decisions quickly.

Inventory levels also play an important role. When fewer homes are available, sellers may face less competition. As more listings come online later in the season, standing out can become more challenging.

For homeowners considering a move this year, early conversations with a real estate professional can help determine the best timing and pricing strategy for your specific property.

Local Expertise Makes a Difference

Real estate is always local. While national headlines discuss interest rates and economic trends, the conditions in Southern Maine communities can vary greatly from broader markets. Factors like school districts, proximity to lakes, and community amenities often influence buyer demand.

That’s why working with a team who understands local market dynamics can be especially valuable during the busy spring season. From accurate pricing strategies to targeted marketing and negotiation, local knowledge can help guide both buyers and sellers through each step of the process.

Looking Ahead

As we move through spring 2026, the market remains active, balanced, and full of opportunities for those who approach it with preparation and the right guidance. Buyers who stay flexible and ready to act will find great options, while sellers who present their homes well and price strategically can expect strong interest.

If you’re thinking about making a move this year, the best first step is simply starting the conversation. With the right plan in place, navigating the spring market can be both successful and rewarding.

The Libby Starnes Team at Signature Homes Real Estate Group specializes in helping buyers and sellers across the Lakes Region and Southern Maine. If you’re considering buying or selling this year, we’re always happy to help you explore your options. For more updates, listings, or to schedule a consultation, visit www.libbystarnesteamhomes.com or follow The Libby Starnes Team on social media. Call them at 207-838-8051 or 207-712-2424 or visit them online at www.libbystarnesteamhomes.com. <

Who Really Pays the Commission?

By Matthew Trudel

Should you have a realtor working for you as a Buyer’s Agent when buying a home for sale?

I won't give you the answer, but I will give you something very simple to think about.

Who pays the commission to the realtors involved in a transaction? It’s the seller, right?

Not if you ask me, because when everyone shows up at the closing, the buyer is the only one who brings money to the table. After all the paper work is signed, the seller and the realtor(s) walk out with checks.

The seller may set up some of the terms under which the realtor gets paid, but the buyer is the one who pays everyone.

So, if you buy a house and don't have a realtor and the seller does have a realtor, then you are paying that realtor to work against you and represent the seller’s best interests not your best interests. It is almost like going to court against someone and hiring a lawyer for the opposing party and not hiring a lawyer for yourself, and the amount involved in the lawsuit is $250,000 (or whatever the house is worth).

Still not convinced, then think about this:

You buy a house for $200,000 and don't use a realtor but the seller had a realtor and that realtor got paid a commission of 5 percent or $10,000 and the seller got $190,000.

If you had just walked up to the seller on the day he first thought of selling his home and offered him $190,000, he most likely would have sold you the property because that is all he got in the above transaction.

So, you paid $10,000 more to cover the realtor who represented the seller when you could have had someone representing you and helping you through the whole process and the realtors would have split the $10,000. You actually paid the seller's realtor double to assist the seller and look out for their best interests.

Do you want to know how you can possibly get part of that money ($10,000) back? Call me and let’s talk about how we can work together to find you a home that meets all your needs and expectations.

The main point that I am really trying to get across is that in the majority of cases, you should be working with a realtor and have buyer’s representation.

There are obviously some exceptions to this but for most people it is advisable to have someone who knows the industry looking out for your best interest. Finding a realtor with years of experience is a plus. One that knows the local market and where pricing is going would be another key factor.

Interview more than one realtor and ask for a few referrals you can speak with about their transactions.

Hopefully this was helpful and feel free to call or message me if you have any other questions.

This article was written by Matthew Trudel, the owner of Five Star Realty in Windham. Call him at 207-939-6971. <

Creating a Maine Escape: How Design Transforms Your Lakes Region Airbnb into a Five-Star Memory

By Theresa Bouchard

For those of us lucky enough to call the Lakes Region home, the magic of a Maine summer is no secret. We see it every June: the influx of out-of-state plates, the kayaks strapped to roof racks, and the palpable sense of relief as visitors breathe in the pine-scented air. People don’t just travel to Maine for a vacation; they come to find a sanctuary. Whether it’s the glass-like surface of Sebago Lake at dawn, the rugged hiking trails of the foothills, or the simple joy of a sunset boat ride, our backyard is a theater for lifelong memories.

Theresa Bouchard 

However, as the short-term rental market grows, simply having a "place to stay" is no longer enough. To truly capture the hearts of guests – and secure those coveted five-star reviews – property owners must look beyond the basic four walls. To stand out in the Lakes Region, your Airbnb needs to be more than a lodging option; it needs to be an experience. This is achieved through a thoughtful marriage of top-tier amenities, intentional interior design, and effortless functionality.

The Foundation: Comfort and Functionality

Before diving into the aesthetics, a memorable Airbnb must master the basics of hospitality. In the Lakes Region, "functionality" often translates to how well a home handles the transition from the outdoors to the indoors.

High-quality seating is the first priority. After a long day of hiking or paddling, guests want to sink into furniture that feels substantial and clean. Avoid the "hand-me-down" look; instead, opt for performance fabrics that can withstand the occasional damp swimsuit or stray grain of sand while still looking high-end.

Furthermore, never underestimate the power of sleep. In a vacation rental, the bed is the most important piece of furniture in the house. Investing in premium mattresses, high-thread-count linens, and a variety of pillow densities isn't just a luxury – it’s a business strategy. A guest who wakes up refreshed is a guest who writes a glowing review.

Designing the "Talk-About" Factor

While comfort gets you a "good" review, design gets people talking for ages. The goal is to create a space that feels curated rather than cluttered. In a region defined by its natural beauty, your interior design should serve as a bridge to the outdoors.

Consider a "Modern Maine" aesthetic: a sophisticated take on the classic lakeside cabin. Move away from dated "moose and bear" kitsch and toward a palette that reflects our environment. Think deep gray-blues that mimic the water at dusk, or warm, coppery oranges that echo the changing oak leaves. These tones create a sense of place that feels both authentic and fresh.

Statement pieces are essential for making your property "Instagrammable." This could be a locally sourced live-edge dining table where families gather for lobster bakes, or a striking piece of art from a Maine gallery. When a guest walks into a room and immediately wants to take a photo, you’ve succeeded. You aren't just selling a bedroom; you're providing a backdrop for their family vacation photos.

Curating the Experience

True memorability lies in the details – the "amenity extras" that show a host has truly thought about the guest's needs. In the Lakes Region, this means leaning into the "Rest and Relaxation" culture.

The Rainy Day Rescue: Maine weather can be unpredictable. A dedicated "Game Nook" stocked with high-quality board games, puzzles, and perhaps a classic wooden cribbage board ensures that a rainy afternoon becomes a cozy bonding moment rather than a disappointment.

The Outdoor Oasis: Extend your design to the exterior. A well-appointed fire pit area with comfortable Adirondack chairs and a ready-to-go s’mores kit is a low-cost investment that yields high-value memories.

Local Flavor: Provide a curated guide to the hidden gems of Cumberland and York counties. Suggest the best quiet coves for kayaking or the local bakery that makes the perfect blueberry muffin. This personal touch transforms you from a landlord into a local host.

The Return on Investment

Focusing on design and functionality is an investment in your property’s longevity. A well-designed Airbnb commands a higher nightly rate and maintains a higher occupancy level during the shoulder seasons. More importantly, it creates a "sticky" brand. When guests feel that a home was designed specifically for their comfort and enjoyment, they are far more likely to become "repeaters," returning year after year to recreate the magic.

In the Lakes Region, we aren't just selling a bed for the night. We are selling the sound of loons at night, the smell of woodsmoke, and the feeling of total peace. By elevating your Airbnb’s interior design and functionality, you ensure that when your guests head back across the state line, they aren't just taking souvenirs—they’re taking a piece of Maine in their hearts, and they’ll be talking about their stay until the moment they book it again next year.

If you’re preparing to sell your home or simply planning a refresh, TS Staging and Design is here to help. This year’s Eagle Choice Award winner for Interior Design/Home Staging, TS Staging and Design is located at 630 Roosevelt Trail, Unit 2, in Windham. Its local home staging and interior design team would be delighted to assist with any project that comes your way. We welcome the opportunity to bring out the best in your home and help you take the next step with confidence. Contact Theresa at 207-400-9393. <